Gluteal Cleft Extension for Secure Fluid Collection Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid collection assemblies, such as urinary catheters and bedpans, are uncomfortable, prone to complications, and suffer from hygiene issues, particularly when individuals with limited mobility change positions, leading to discomfort and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection assembly with a reversibly attachable, inflatable, or distance-adjustable extension that can be positioned in the gluteal cleft to secure the assembly, featuring a fluid impermeable layer with a chamber and porous material, connected to a vacuum source for efficient fluid collection and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fluid collection assemblies (urinary catheters, bedpans) are used, then fluid collection function is provided, but comfort and hygiene deteriorate due to discomfort, pain, infections, spills, and leakage especially when individuals change positions
Solution Approach 1:
The extension is made inflatable to dynamically adjust its securing capability. When inflated, the extension expands to fit and secure within the gluteal cleft, providing reliable leakage prevention. When deflated, it minimizes discomfort. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between comfort and leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension's volume and shape parameters are changed through inflation and deflation. By adjusting these parameters, the extension can adapt to different positions and individual needs, providing both comfort and secure leakage prevention without compromising either aspect.
2Reliability
If extensions are added to secure the assembly in the gluteal cleft, then leakage prevention improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension serves multiple functions: it secures the assembly in the gluteal cleft to prevent leakage, can be inflated or deflated for comfort adjustment, and can be reversibly attached or detached. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural element while providing comprehensive solutions to multiple problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension is constructed as a flexible, thin-walled structure that can be inflated to provide securing force. This flexible shell design provides the necessary mechanical function without adding significant structural complexity or rigidity, maintaining ease of use while improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the extension is made inflatable or distance-adjustable for customizable use, then ease of operation and comfort improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable design allows the extension to be manufactured in a compact, deflated state, simplifying packaging and initial handling. Inflation then provides the necessary volume and securing force. This dynamic approach simplifies manufacturing and storage while maintaining customizability for different users and situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension is designed as a separable component that can be reversibly attached to or removed from the fluid collection assembly. This segmentation allows independent manufacturing and quality control of each component, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to provide customizable, comfortable fits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The assembly provides enhanced comfort and security by allowing customizable extension use based on individual preference, reducing discomfort and leakage, and facilitating efficient fluid collection and storage through a vacuum system.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber of the fluid collection assembly is in fluid communication with the fluid storage container and the vacuum source via one or more conduits
Implementation Method 2
at least one porous material disposed in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An example fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable layer. The fluid impermeable layer includes a proximal end region and a distal end region. The fluid impermeable layer also defines at least a chamber, at least one opening that may be between the proximal and distal end regions, and a fluid outlet that may be at the proximal end region. The fluid collection assembly may also include at least one porous material disposed in the chamber. The fluid collection assembly further includes an extension that is at least one of attachable or extends from the distal end region of the fluid impermeable layer. The extension is configured to be disposed within the gluteal cleft (e.g., between the buttocks) to help secure the fluid collection assembly to an individual using the fluid collection assembly.